2027: SDP Urges Leaders To Strengthen Party Structure

The Social Democratic Party, (SDP), has charged its state and national leaders to begin immediate grassroots mobilisation, strengthen party structures and maintain discipline ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe made the call during the National Executive Committee (NEC), meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja yesterday which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Gombe said the party had made significant progress within four months by holding two NEC meetings, conducting its national convention, electing Prince Adewole Adebayo as presidential candidate

and conducting primary elections nationwide.

The national chairman commended INEC for its cooperation, saying the SDP remained committed to the rule of law.

He insisted the party has no faction and that disciplinary actions against former officials followed due process under Article 19 of the party constitution.

“Our doors are open to call them back if they repent and are ready to play by the rules of INEC, the party constitution, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Gombe said.

He noted that INEC was represented at the NEC meeting by the Deputy Director, Election and Party Management, the certifying officer for party records.

Gombe added that the SDP is focused on building credible structures and presenting candidates that reflect competence and service.

Similarly, the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, said the party had reviewed its structures, updated its constitution, improved its membership register and introduced new administrative procedures to strengthen accountability.

He said the next phase would focus on building strong polling unit structures and training polling agents.

For his part, Chairman of the SDP State Chairmen Forum, Femi Olaniyi, said rebuilding must begin immediately and urged the National Working Committee to provide an example of coordination for state chapters to replicate.

“The elections are not won only at the top of the ticket. They are won ward by ward, street by street. You are the face of SDP in your constituencies. Start now,” Olaniyi said.

He directed state chairmen to reconstitute state, local government and ward executives and ensure every ward has a functional SDP office.

Olaniyi also called for aggressive voter registration, PVC collection and membership drive, saying campaigns must focus on security, cost of living, healthcare and opportunities for young people.

Also speaking, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and SDP candidate for House of Representatives, said the party’s manifesto is anchored on social justice.

He called for unity to enable the SDP to win elections at all levels and transform Nigeria, adding that the party’s doors remain open to reconciliation for members willing to abide by its constitution.